Background Checks by ClearCo: Candidate Experience Overview

This article explains the candidate experience for completing a background check. It provides clear, step-by-step guidance so candidates know what to expect, what information to provide, and what happens after submission.

In this article:
Background Checks Candidate Experience Summary
Applicant Portal

Candidate Experience Summary

You can complete the background check authorization on a desktop or mobile device. Once a background check has been initiated, you will receive an invitation and be guided through a series of consent forms and information-collection steps. The experience is streamlined, secure, and compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

  Tip: Click on the images below to expand the view and zoom in.

1. Background Check is Initiated- Invite Email is Received
   When a background check is initiated, you will receive an invite to complete the background check via email and text message. The email subject line will display the Company Name.

    

2. Click here to begin 
   When you open the "Click here to begin" link, you will be directed to the start of the background check.

    

3. Consent 
   The first item you will need to agree to is the E-Sign Act Disclosure and Consent. This E-Sign Act allows you to complete the background check electronically. *If "I do not agree" is selected, you will have the option to email or fax the proper forms.

    

4. FCRA Disclosure- Consumer Reports
   You will agree to the FCRA consumer reports.

    

5. FCRA Background Investigation
   You will agree to cover Employment and Education verification.

    

6. Summary of Rights
   This is required by the FCRA, and you will click continue to confirm they have received the Summary of Rights form.

    

7. State and City Notices
   Next, you will agree to the State and City Notice consent, as some complete any applicable City/State required forms.

    

8. If applicable, State Forms: 
   If a State form is needed, you will have to review these forms and click continue. For example, New York has additional forms you will have to review.

    

9. When you complete the State and City Notices, there are some things that they will have to keep in mind.
   • If the role is remote, you will input the State of the corporate office.
   • If a state that does not require additional forms is selected, you will continue with the background check.
     • Any state that needs additional forms will direct you to those state forms for completion.

10. Authorization for Background Check
    You will then have to agree to have the background check run.

     

11. Applicant Information
    You will enter their personal information. Any information that was collected in ClearCompany will transfer over and auto-populate.

     

12. Applicant Address
    You will provide your address information.

     

13. Employment Verification
    You will enter your employment history, and depending on the type of Background Check package ordered, you will have to enter this information multiple times.

14. Education Verification
    You will enter your education information.

     

15. Application Summary
    A summary of the information provided on previous pages is presented. You have the option to edit any information, as well as put any notes you would like to add. Once you are done reviewing, you will click "Submit".

    • Application Notes
      While rarely used, if you want to disclose any other information, you can add it here. For example, you may want to include that there was a criminal issue in the past.

       

16. On-screen Confirmation
    After submitting, you will receive a confirmation that your portion is complete. You will also get a confirmation number that can be used for support.

     

17. Email & Text Confirmation
    You will also receive a confirmation letter by email and text message.

     

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Applicant Portal

You also receive a second email inviting you to access the Applicant Portal. The Applicant Portal allows you to review messages, track background check status, and upload any additional documents that may be required.

1. Applicant Portal email
   You receive an email directing to the Applicant Portal.

    

2. Additional document email
   If additional information or documentation is required, you will receive a follow-up email notifying you of the request.

    

3. Click Answer questions to sign in
   Select "Answer Questions" to begin the sign-in process.

    

4. Verify identity and sign in
   You will enter the required information, including the reference number, Social Security number, and the last four digits of your phone number. After completing the "I’m not a robot" verification, you will select Sign in.

    

5. Applicant Portal home page
   After signing in, you are taken to the Applicant Portal home page, where you can view your background check status, messages, and document requests.

    

6. View messages
   You can review messages related to your background check, including requests for additional information.

    

7. Upload documents
   You can upload any requested documents directly through the Applicant Portal.

   

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